Top 25 Catchers in 2002

Fantasy Baseball Player Ratings
By CBS SportsLine Fantasy Staff


Note: Projected dollar values are based on a mixed league of 12 teams, 5x5 Rotisserie scoring and a $260 salary cap per team.

1.

 Mike Piazza
Projected Roto $28
 
PeriodABRHHRRBIBBSBBAOBPSLG
Projected5319516840119662.3164.3920.6045
2001503811513694670.3002.3846.5726
20004829015638113584.3237.3996.6141
199953210016240124482.3045.3632.5771
Piazza battled some injuries and lack of protection in the Mets lineup last year, yet he still performed like the best catcher in Fantasy Baseball again. He hit just .204 in May, yet he still managed to finish the year at .300, a mark which he has equaled or surpassed in each of the last nine seasons. Now, with more protection behind him and better hitters in front of him than ever, Piazza may surpass 40 homers and 115 RBI. He will certainly be one of the most coveted players in all of Roto ball this year. He will stand out as the centerpiece of the reworked Mets batting order.

2.

 Jason Kendall
Projected Roto $20
 
PeriodABRHHRRBIBBSBBAOBPSLG
Projected5139014911575619.2904.3603.4211
20016068416110534413.2657.3358.3581
200057911218514587922.3195.4146.4698
199928061938413822.3321.4333.5107
Thumb problems and an experiment in the outfield were the biggest reasons Kendall suffered through a disappointing season. He logged a career high in plate appearances, but his batting average and steals totals frustrated his owners. Kendall should be recovered from thumb surgery, and with catching prospect J.R. House not a threat to him behind the plate until at least 2003, Kendall should settle back in and have a fine year.

3.

 Paul Lo Duca
Projected Roto $17
 
PeriodABRHHRRBIBBSBBAOBPSLG
Projected496701472076442.2964.3537.4677
2001460711472590392.3196.3802.5435
2000656162860.2462.3099.3692
1999951122311101.2316.3178.3368
What a find LoDuca was for Fantasy owners last season - he might have even gone undrafted in many leagues. While his 25 homers and 90 RBI were quite a surprise, LoDuca did have a reputation for hitting for a .300 average in the minors, so don't consider his stat line a total fluke. He could easily approach .300 with 20 homers and 80 RBI next season as well, but don't expect a whole lot more this late in his professional career.

4.

 Jorge Posada
Projected Roto $16
 
PeriodABRHHRRBIBBSBBAOBPSLG
Projected492721312697802.2663.3689.4898
2001484591342295622.2769.3659.4752
20005059214528861072.2871.4194.5267
199937950931257531.2454.3425.4011
Posada was one of the better catchers in the majors last season, despite the fact that he was dealing with a nagging shoulder injury. He finished the year with a .277 batting average, 22 home runs and 95 RBI in 484 at-bats. Posada did have offseason surgery to repair a small tear in his labrum, but he's expected to be ready by Opening Day. Posada will post numbers similar to his 2001 totals, and will again be one of the most coveted backstops in Fantasy Baseball.

5.

 Ivan Rodriguez
Projected Roto $16
 
PeriodABRHHRRBIBBSBBAOBPSLG
Projected30455891055149.2928.3239.4605
20014427013625652310.3077.3475.5407
2000363661262783195.3471.3812.6667
1999600116199351132425.3317.3584.5583
A knee injury is a tough thing for a catcher to recover from because of all the squatting that is required at this position. However, Rodriguez appeared to be just fine during spring training and should be ready for Opening Day. If he is at full strength once the season starts he should once again be one of the best catchers in baseball, providing good stats in all the major hitting categories.

6.

 Javy Lopez
Projected Roto $13
 
PeriodABRHHRRBIBBSBBAOBPSLG
Projected454541272181320.2797.3272.4692
2001438451171766281.2671.3256.4247
2000481601382489350.2869.3404.4844
199924634781145200.3171.3755.5325
Lopez, usually a durable and reliable power-hitting backstop, has seemingly become a more brittle sort. He battled several different injuries last year, and while he should open the 2002 season in good health, Lopez was banged up often in 2001. Easily one of the top catchers in Fantasy Baseball a few short years ago, his propensity for injuries now makes him a riskier choice. Lopez will still be a No. 1 Fantasy catcher if he stays healthy, but the Braves may rest him frequently to keep Lopez fresh.

7.

 Charles Johnson
Projected Roto $12
 
PeriodABRHHRRBIBBSBBAOBPSLG
Projected476681262281531.2647.3384.4622
2001451511171875380.2594.3225.4501
2000421761283191522.3040.3819.5819
1999426581071654550.2512.3423.4131
Johnson's return home to Florida proved to be a forgettable excursion during the second half of the year, when he hit just .226 with two homers. Johnson suffered greatly from lack of consistent protection in the Florida lineup, and he may always struggle to come close to his 2000 numbers. Still, Johnson gets regular at-bats and will always finish near 20 homers, so he is a valuable player in all Fantasy formats.

8.

 Mike Lieberthal
Projected Roto $12
 
PeriodABRHHRRBIBBSBBAOBPSLG
Projected408641161774381.2843.3453.4779
20011212128211120.2314.3162.3471
2000389551081571402.2776.3540.4704
1999510841533196440.3000.3681.5510
Knee troubles wiped out most of Lieberthal's 2000 season, and his last two seasons have been marred by injuries. He was never able to get into a rhythm last year, and hit only two homers in 134 at-bats. Physical issues may have sapped him of some of his pop, and he may spend the rest of his major league days trying to avoid injuries and match his 31-homer output of 1999.

9.

 Robert Fick
Projected Roto $11
 
PeriodABRHHRRBIBBSBBAOBPSLG
Projected413591112167462.2688.3420.4818
2001401621091961390.2718.3423.4763
20001631841322222.2515.3441.3742
1999416931071.2195.3333.4390
Fick has been a solid hitter in his brief career, but has been a defensive liability at catcher. Look for him to excel as a hitter this season, now that he is the starting rightfielder. He hit 19 homers last season in 401 at bats. Fick should come close to hitting 30 homers and driving in 90 runs this season as a full-time player. Use him as a fourth outfielder to be safe. Fick will have his at-bats limited if he is unable to play right field.

10.

 Brad Ausmus
Projected Roto $7
 
PeriodABRHHRRBIBBSBBAOBPSLG
Projected491641297525311.2627.3346.3788
20014224598534304.2322.2848.3412
2000523751397516911.2658.3579.3652
1999458621269545112.2751.3652.4148
Hand and eye problems contributed to a very disappointing year for Ausmus, but he has always been overrated because of his speed. He doesn't do much in the power categories and his stolen base production has never been more than mediocre overall. Don't be lured in by Ausmus, or you may end up with a big hole at your No. 1 catcher spot.

11.

 Ben Petrick
Projected Roto $6
 
PeriodABRHHRRBIBBSBBAOBPSLG
Projected32462861351444.2654.3533.4660
200124441581139313.2377.3309.4590
20001463247320201.3219.4107.4658
1999621320412101.3226.4167.5645
The Rockies were very disappointed with Petrick's performance after entrusting him with the starting job last season, but it appears as if he'll get another shot since the team did not acquire a replacement over the offseason. He has worlds of potential, and it's important to note that Petrick took some time before developing offensively in the minor-league ranks. If he manages to win at least a share of the starting job this spring, he could make an intriguing late-round pick with upside.

12.

 Wiki Gonzalez
Projected Roto $6
 
PeriodABRHHRRBIBBSBBAOBPSLG
Projected422511131460372.2678.3268.4289
20011601644827112.2750.3371.4625
20002842566530301.2324.3123.3451
19998372131210.2530.2706.4096
The trade of Ben Davis to Seattle clears the starting catching job for Gonzalez this season, and now is his chance to show what he can do with 400 to 450 at-bats. He has a fairly good reputation with the bat, so it's not out of the question he could hit .270 with 15 homers and 60 RBI. Don't forget about Gonzalez, who can offer stats to rival other average catchers like Damian Miller and Ramon Hernandez, but at a lower price.

13.

 Toby Hall
Projected Roto $6
 
PeriodABRHHRRBIBBSBBAOBPSLG
Projected410591101255104.2683.2857.4415
2001188285643042.2979.3231.4468
200012121110.1667.2308.4167
19990000000.0000.0000.0000
Hall is one of Tampa Bay's best prospects, and will likely begin the season as the team's starting catcher. He has displayed some pop with his bat, which was evident at the minor league level last season. Hall posted 19 home runs and 72 RBI in only four months at Triple-A, and was voted the league's most valuable player despite playing only 94 games. The lack of talented catchers in the majors will make Hall a very coveted Fantasy player in 2002.

14.

 Todd Hundley
Projected Roto $4
 
PeriodABRHHRRBIBBSBBAOBPSLG
Projected39352892471491.2265.3122.4529
200124623461231250.1870.2701.3740
200029949852470450.2843.3815.5786
199937649782455443.2074.2972.4362
Hundley spent another season fighting off injuries in 2001, and he wasn't very useful when he was available. He posted an awful batting average, and Hundley hasn't hit above .210 in three of the past four years. The veteran catcher can still hit for power, but Hundley's health problems have made him a big Fantasy risk for the past five seasons.

15.

 Mitch Meluskey
Projected Roto $4
 
PeriodABRHHRRBIBBSBBAOBPSLG
Projected37048991258612.2676.3712.4216
20010000000.0000.0000.0000
2000337471011469551.2997.4040.4866
199933471351.2121.3158.3333
Meluskey missed all of last season because of a shoulder abnormality. He will return as the starting catcher this season. Meluskey hit .300 with 14 homers and 69 RBI for Houston in 2000. Most of his damage was done in hitter friendly Enron Field, but he only had 339 at bats that season. Look for him to be an adequate hitter and a solid No. 1 catcher in Detroit.

16.

 A.J. Pierzynski
Projected Roto $4
 
PeriodABRHHRRBIBBSBBAOBPSLG
Projected41956117851192.2792.3105.4081
200138151110755161.2887.3242.4409
200088122721151.3068.3579.4545
199922360310.2727.3333.3636
Pierzynski posted respectable numbers as Minnesota's starting catcher last season. He batted .289 with 7 homers and 55 RBI in 118 games. Pierzynski should do even better this season with more at bats, providing between 15-20 homers. Like most catchers he doesn't get a lot of steals, but he will still be an adequate No. 1 in AL leagues.

17.

 Ben Davis
Projected Roto $3
 
PeriodABRHHRRBIBBSBBAOBPSLG
Projected450741111257584.2467.3327.3800
2001448561071157664.2388.3417.3571
20001301229314141.2231.2986.3385
19992662965530252.2444.3093.3609
Davis could be the starting catcher for Seattle this season, but will probably platoon the position with last season's starter, Dan Wilson. He has hit for a low average in his short career so don't expect him to produce good hitting totals. Davis will be a good backup at best.

18.

 Darrin Fletcher
Projected Roto $3
 
PeriodABRHHRRBIBBSBBAOBPSLG
Projected423431081766240.2553.2953.4279
200141636941156240.2260.2780.3534
2000416431332058201.3197.3583.5144
1999412481201880260.2913.3423.4854
Fletcher had a down year in 2001, and that may be a sign of things to come for the veteran backstop. He's entering his 14th year in the league, and his production has been average at best for the past five seasons. Considering the lack of quality catchers in the league, however, Fletcher will likely be a starter in many Fantasy leagues.

19.

 Bengie Molina
Projected Roto $3
 
PeriodABRHHRRBIBBSBBAOBPSLG
Projected450361201270170.2667.2934.3800
20013253185640160.2615.3123.3508
2000473591331471231.2812.3227.4207
199910182611060.2574.3119.3366
Molina was slowed by injuries last season but should improve his offensive totals if healthy this season. He will be an adequate starter in deep leagues and an excellent backup in smaller ones.


20.

 Damian Miller
Projected Roto $2
 
PeriodABRHHRRBIBBSBBAOBPSLG
Projected35143951248321.2707.3316.4359
2001380451031347350.2711.3389.4237
200032443891044362.2747.3490.4414
199929635801147190.2703.3186.4459
Miller is the epitome of the average Fantasy catcher, offering his owners serviceable stats with little upside. While he has settled well into a starting role with Arizona, he is still nothing better than a .270 hitter with 15-homer power. Miller's defense was somewhat questionable during last year's postseason, but the Diamondbacks' lack of depth behind the plate should allow him enough playing time to replicate his 2001 totals.

21.

 Einar Diaz
Projected Roto $2
 
PeriodABRHHRRBIBBSBBAOBPSLG
Projected41448116443204.2802.3134.3816
200143754121456171.2769.3277.3867
20002502968425114.2720.3234.3920
1999392431103322311.2806.3286.3622
Diaz enters the season as the Indians' starting catcher, so expect him to bat around 400 times once again. He'll hit for a decent average with a fair number of RBI, but his steals totals have been in decline in each of the last two seasons. Still, Diaz is a decent starting catcher in an AL-only league.

22.

 Jason LaRue
Projected Roto $1
 
PeriodABRHHRRBIBBSBBAOBPSLG
Projected36842911351294.2473.3023.4158
200136439861243273.2363.3050.4038
200098122351250.2347.2991.4184
1999901219310114.2111.3107.3889
LaRue gives the Reds good power production behind the plate, but he doesn't make consistent contact and has lapses on defense that will cost him playing time. LaRue will give you decent power and RBI numbers, but his plate appearances may be limited.

23.

 Jason Varitek
Projected Roto $1
 
PeriodABRHHRRBIBBSBBAOBPSLG
Projected35046911253401.2600.3359.4429
20011741951725210.2931.3724.4885
2000448551111065601.2478.3444.3884
1999483701302076461.2692.3352.4824
Varitek missed most of last season after suffering an elbow injury. He is expected to return in time for the start of training camp, however, and could become a pretty valuable Fantasy player considering the lack of talented catchers around the league. Varitek has the ability to put up decent numbers as an everyday backstop, so a .265 batting average, 18 home runs and 65 RBI are certainly not out of reach.

24.

 Ramon Hernandez
Projected Roto $1
 
PeriodABRHHRRBIBBSBBAOBPSLG
Projected37044961252341.2595.3218.4081
2001453551151560371.2539.3185.4084
2000419521011462381.2411.3147.3866
19991361338321181.2794.3677.3971
Hernandez improved his hitting slightly last season, raising his batting average to .251 and hitting 15 homers. He should continue his progression this season, raising his average and approaching 20 homers. Hernandez will emerge as one of the best catchers in baseball this season and is worth starting in any Fantasy league.

25.

 Eli Marrero
Projected Roto $0
 
PeriodABRHHRRBIBBSBBAOBPSLG
Projected2493660836177.2410.2895.3976
20012033754623156.2660.3165.4384
2000102212351795.2255.3070.4216
199931732616341811.1924.2381.2965
Marrero will fight for the backup catching job in St. Louis, but there is a chance he could end up in left field as well. He does have a decent bat, but Marrero has been too injury prone to compile a solid year. He's worth a $1 bid for Fantasy owners willing to gamble that he'll see enough at-bats to be productive.



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